The second phase of inaugurations under the Sikhya Kranti programme is yet to take off in Ludhiana district, with officials attributing the delay to staff being occupied with the management of other grants and a change in the portal.
“The funds should be released beforehand. However, teachers pointed out that the funds have not yet reached them. The sanctioned amount is also insufficient to meet all expenses,” the teacher added.
The state education department had directed officials to commence the ceremonies on October 27 and wrap them up by November 7. As per guidelines, the department sanctioned ₹ 20,000 for each senior secondary school, ₹ 10,000 for secondary schools, and ₹ 5,000 for elementary schools to organise the events, along with an extra ₹ 5,000 for designing an inauguration plaque.
A teacher, requesting anonymity, said schools had to arrange tents, microphones, speakers and refreshments, besides inviting local MLAs, parents and school management committee members.
